Winthrop V. Gay helped to save Steven A. Martin from drowning, West Brookfield, Massachusetts, April 17, 1968. Steven, 6, who could not swim, entered a boat moored at the bank of a lake. When the craft was untied, it began drifting. Two girls reported the situation to Gay, 75, and John E. Eastman, Jr., both of whom ran toward the lake. Reaching the water ahead of Gay, Eastman removed part of his clothing. Steven then jumped out of the drifting boat. Eastman waded and swam a 150 feet to Steven, reaching him just as he sank in water 15 feet deep. By diving twice, Eastman brought Steven to the surface. Tired, partly winded, and beginning to feel numb from the cold water, Eastman called for assistance with Steven. Gay removed part of his attire and then waded and swam 150 feet to where Eastman was keeping Steven’s head above water. Taking hold of Steven, Gay began swimming back to the bank with him. Eastman followed, at times holding to Steven briefly as Gay towed him 100 feet. They then waded the rest of the way to the bank.
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